Conversation with my Ego

   I heard the voice of “I can’t” today.  I tried to ignore it, but it wouldn’t go away.  It kept whispering in my ear, “I can’t. I can’t. I can’t and even if I did, it would be no good.”  On and on it went. So, finally, I said to the voice, “Look, I realize you are only saying these things to me because you love me and want to protect me from harm.  You want to shelter me so I will not be hurt or embarrassed.  But if I don’t try, I will never know if I can.”

   The voice persisted, “But what if no one likes what I’ve done?”  I told the voice that it would be okay, even if EVERYONE hated it.  The opinions of others are none of my business.  The opinion that matters is mine and I am of the opinion that if I do not act, I will not be happy. "So we, that is, you and I, must make a pact to support each other, no matter what.  There is not much I can do to protect you and still express myself freely.  Therefore, I must let you go." 

“What?!” the voice said in a panic.  "Yes, you heard correctly, you must go to sleep now so that I can get some work done no matter if it is seen as good or bad.  You can support me by going to sleep and I will support you by ignoring your existence.  Fair enough?"